The Florida Republican’s abrupt departure effectively halts a House investigation into allegations that he engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use.

News broke he has been under scrutiny by the House Ethics Committee over allegations including sexual misconduct.

President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he picked Rep. Matt Gaetz to serve as his attorney general, a choice that could put the Florida Republican in charge of the federal department that investigated him over sex trafficking accusations and ultimately decided not to bring charges.

Get the latest news on the transition to the new administration of President-elect Donald Trump and a new Congress.

Republican senators reacted with shock and incredulity to the news that Donald Trump wants Matt Gaetz to be attorney general.

Trump has been nominating loyalists to serve in his Cabinet, and nowhere is that more obvious than in his pick for attorney general: Rep. Matt Gaetz.

Matt Gaetz for attorney general, with two GOP senators openly voicing concerns and some of the president-elect’s loyal allies panning the pick. “I think he has a zero percent shot of getting through the Senate,

Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) speaks on Day 3 of the Republican National Convention (RNC), at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo By Andrew Goudsward and Sarah N.